Embracing the Humble King: A Call to Action
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound significance of Palm Sunday, a day that marks Jesus' humble yet triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This event is a powerful reminder of the kind of king Jesus is—a king unlike any other, who comes not with force or grandeur, but with humility and grace. Riding on a donkey, Jesus symbolizes a different kind of power, one that bears the burdens of humanity and offers salvation through sacrifice. This is a king who invites us into a kingdom not of this world, but one that transforms hearts and lives through the Spirit of God.
As we journey through the book of Acts, we witness the Spirit's movement among the early believers, a movement that challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we part of this divine movement, or are we merely spectators? The call is to be vibrant followers of Jesus, recognized not by our words alone but by our actions and the Spirit's presence in our lives. This vibrancy is not about external appearances but about an inner transformation that reflects the peace, joy, and love of God.
The sermon also challenges us to confront the idols in our lives—those things we cling to for security and joy apart from God. Whether it's wealth, status, or even good things like family and career, these idols can lead to a divided heart, robbing us of the true peace and joy found in Christ. Repentance is the path to cleansing our hearts, a turning away from these idols and a turning towards God, who offers us a life of abundance and purpose.
In the end, the message is clear: Jesus is the humble, serving king who offers victory and peace. He invites us to surrender our idols, to trust in His reign, and to experience the fullness of life in His kingdom. As we reflect on this, may we be moved to action, to live as vibrant followers of Jesus, and to let His Spirit transform us from the inside out.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus as the Humble King: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolizes His humility and the nature of His kingdom, which is not about earthly power but about bearing our burdens and offering salvation. This challenges us to embrace His way of humility and service in our own lives. [23:31]
2. The Spirit's Movement: The book of Acts shows us the power of God's Spirit moving among His people, inviting us to be part of this divine movement. Our lives should reflect the vibrancy of being with Jesus, marked by peace, joy, and love that others can recognize. [26:43]
3. Confronting Idols: Idols are anything that promises security and joy apart from God. They can be good or bad things that lead to a divided heart. True repentance involves recognizing these idols, turning away from them, and turning towards God for true fulfillment. [33:46]
4. Repentance and Cleansing: Genuine faith involves a heart awakened to God's desires, leading to repentance and a cleansing of our lives from anything that hinders our relationship with Him. This process, though costly, brings us closer to God and His purposes for us. [38:36]
5. Living in Victory and Peace: Believing in Jesus as the Messiah means embracing His victory over sin and death, and living in the peace He offers. This involves trusting Him as our King, allowing His Spirit to guide us, and finding our joy and security in Him alone. [47:37]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:30] - Opening Prayer
- [03:00] - Introduction to Palm Sunday
- [05:45] - Jesus: The Humble King
- [08:20] - The Spirit's Movement in Acts
- [12:00] - Are You Part of the Movement?
- [15:30] - Recognizing Vibrant Followers
- [18:45] - The Challenge of Idols
- [23:31] - Controlling Our Environment
- [26:43] - God's Power Through Believers
- [30:00] - Living Like Jesus
- [33:46] - The Cost of Repentance
- [38:36] - Awakening to God's Heart
- [41:43] - The Power of Genuine Faith
- [47:37] - Idols and Their Impact
- [53:37] - Finding Joy and Security in God
- [56:23] - The Divided Heart
- [01:03:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Palm Sunday and the Call to Vibrant Faith
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 19:11-20
2. Philippians 2:5-11
3. Matthew 21:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem symbolize about His kingship, according to the sermon? [05:45]
2. In Acts 19:11-20, what unusual miracles did God perform through Paul, and what was the significance of these miracles in the context of the early church? [26:43]
3. How did the people of Ephesus respond to the message of Jesus, and what actions did they take to demonstrate their repentance? [38:36]
4. What are some examples of idols mentioned in the sermon that people might cling to for security and joy apart from God? [47:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' entry into Jerusalem challenge our understanding of power and leadership in the context of His kingdom? [05:45]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, and how does this relate to being a vibrant follower of Jesus? [26:43]
3. In what ways does the sermon describe the process of repentance and cleansing from idols, and why is this important for a believer's spiritual growth? [38:36]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the consequences of clinging to idols, and what does this reveal about the nature of idolatry? [47:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you seek control or power, similar to the crowds on Palm Sunday? How can you surrender these areas to Jesus' humble kingship? [23:31]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being recognized as a vibrant follower of Jesus. What specific actions can you take this week to reflect the peace, joy, and love of God in your daily interactions? [26:43]
3. Identify any idols in your life that may be dividing your heart. What steps can you take to turn away from these idols and towards God for true fulfillment? [47:37]
4. Consider the role of repentance in your spiritual journey. Is there a specific area where you need to seek God's forgiveness and cleansing? How can you make this a priority in your prayer life? [38:36]
5. The sermon challenges us to live in the victory and peace offered by Jesus. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in His reign over your life, especially in areas where you feel anxious or insecure? [56:23]
6. Reflect on the story of the Ephesians who burned their sorcery books as an act of repentance. Is there a tangible action you can take to demonstrate your commitment to God and turn away from past practices or habits? [38:36]
7. How can you actively participate in the Spirit's movement within your community, and what role can your small group play in supporting each other in this journey? [26:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Humble Kingship
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a profound symbol of His humility and the nature of His kingdom. Unlike earthly kings who often display power through force and grandeur, Jesus demonstrates a different kind of power—one that is rooted in humility and service. This act challenges us to reconsider our understanding of leadership and power, inviting us to embrace a life of humility and service in our own lives. Jesus' kingdom is not about earthly dominance but about bearing the burdens of humanity and offering salvation through sacrifice. As we reflect on this, we are called to follow His example and live out His values in our daily interactions. [23:31]
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and service in your interactions with others today, following the example of Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem?
Day 2: The Spirit's Transformative Movement
The book of Acts reveals the dynamic movement of God's Spirit among the early believers, a movement that continues to invite us today. This divine movement is characterized by a vibrant faith that is not just about words but is evident in actions and the presence of the Spirit in our lives. Being part of this movement means allowing the Spirit to transform us from the inside out, reflecting the peace, joy, and love of God in a way that others can recognize. It challenges us to move beyond being mere spectators to active participants in God's work in the world. [26:43]
Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Spirit's movement today, allowing His presence to be evident in your actions and interactions with others?
Day 3: Confronting and Overcoming Idols
Idols are anything that promises security and joy apart from God, and they can be both good and bad things that lead to a divided heart. These idols can subtly take the place of God in our lives, robbing us of the true peace and joy found in Christ. True repentance involves recognizing these idols, turning away from them, and turning towards God for true fulfillment. This process requires honesty and courage, as it often involves letting go of things we hold dear. However, it is through this turning away that we find a deeper relationship with God and a life of abundance and purpose. [33:46]
Ezekiel 14:6 (ESV): "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations."
Reflection: Identify one thing in your life that has become an idol. What steps can you take today to begin turning away from it and towards God?
Day 4: The Cost and Reward of Repentance
Genuine faith involves a heart that is awakened to God's desires, leading to repentance and a cleansing of our lives from anything that hinders our relationship with Him. This process, though costly, brings us closer to God and His purposes for us. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but involves a deliberate turning away from them and a turning towards God. It is a journey of transformation that requires us to let go of our old ways and embrace the new life that God offers. This journey, though challenging, is rewarding as it leads to a deeper intimacy with God and a life that reflects His love and grace. [38:36]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and seek God's cleansing? How can you take a step towards this repentance today?
Day 5: Living in the Victory and Peace of Christ
Believing in Jesus as the Messiah means embracing His victory over sin and death and living in the peace He offers. This involves trusting Him as our King, allowing His Spirit to guide us, and finding our joy and security in Him alone. It is a call to surrender our idols and trust in His reign, experiencing the fullness of life in His kingdom. As we reflect on this, we are invited to live as vibrant followers of Jesus, letting His Spirit transform us from the inside out. This transformation is not about external appearances but about an inner change that reflects the peace, joy, and love of God. [47:37]
Colossians 3:15-16 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in Jesus' victory and peace? How can you allow His Spirit to guide you in this area today?
Quotes
"Heavenly Father, Your name is Blessed It is righteous, it is holy, it's powerful It's life-giving, Lord You don't need us To praise it, it is all on its own But we say, Blessed be Your name Because we want it to be That name amongst us, we want to be Under that name, we want to be in that name We want to be part of that name, which is life So Father We We just honor And praise You For You truly are King And whether our life is going great Or not so great Or it's in wonderful places Not so wonderful places We can still say, God, You're still King You're still Rain Because our faith doesn't depend on the place we're at It depends on Your name That's what it's on So God, strengthen us today As we become Just hearers Receivers of Your Word And that Your Spirit Moving us To be doers Also I pray this in Jesus' name All God's people say Amen" [00:17:36] (68 seconds)
"And as we started this series in Acts, we asked this question, and we said, and it applies as we conclude it today, are you in the Spirit's movement or not? Are you in the movement of God's kingdom or not? Would people recognize you as a follower of Jesus by your actions or your words, or would they not? Have you experienced the things of Jesus when you're doing the things of Jesus, like you've been persecuted, you've had to sacrifice for the gospel?" [00:20:44] (32 seconds)
"And so this is the context we walk in to this kind of a Palm Sunday reminder of Jesus being a different kind of king than the world expected, than the crowds wanted, but a Messiah king nonetheless who set up his kingdom and did what he said he was going to do, and his kingdom is now moving in the hearts of the people, not in the laws, not in the government. It had no building, no power, no prestige, no influence. It's just the Spirit of God working in the hearts of his people who moved them." [00:22:36] (40 seconds)
"God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. And when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases and evil spirits were expelled. And so number one, you know, it's God works powerfully through believers. I mean, this is amazing power. I mean, just little pieces of cloth that touch his skin. All of a sudden, they are like full of the spirit, able to bring healing to others. They can be carried off to other people that couldn't be there." [00:26:08] (30 seconds)
"And that we here would have that vibrancy. We would be like people like Moses who had been up on the mountain with Jesus. We spend time with Jesus and in fact he shines his glory on us and he shines it so much that we can't help but reflect it in our lives. It just naturally comes out that people would see us ordinary people, ordinary people, nothing special about us and yet we had been with Jesus that makes us different and special. So the question that I bring us back to that I want to keep bringing us back to because I think it's so important number two, do people recognize who you are?" [00:32:23] (38 seconds)
"so here's the warning that just using jesus for self like they did for your own benefit is not faith it's powerless and evil will call it out when you face resistance you get squeezed it will come out what is in you and if you don't have faith in you will come out of you as your flesh and you will be in fear and you will coward and you will lose your peace and you will be worried and scared and you'll be overtaken why do so many people just drift from the church because they never had the faith in the first place they had the name they knew the language they knew what to do but they didn't have the faith in jesus because they were never really with jesus just around them there's a difference" [00:35:02] (56 seconds)
"and when we're easter people and easter people we stand in victory we stand in over death over satan over the devil over all the evil attacked us we are not victims i mean god gives faith faith is power for every believer he has poured out his spirit on us he's promising in baptism he gives it to his word he continues to feed us with it all the time in his word in his meal again and again and again we're the ones that turn it off not him and he's saying look man you're going to face this stuff in life it's going to happen i want to be your joy i want to be your sense of security i want to be where you get your confidence from because when i'm the king of your life you can withstand all things you don't get tossed around by all the things you gotta come golf america today baby that's what you get" [00:36:21] (52 seconds)
"God awakens their heart to the power of God. Jesus' name above all things, by all things which we will be saved and be delivered from evil. And these are the people in Ephesus. This is a city of evil. This is a city of witchcraft and sorcery. And so this is a huge, if you want to say stronghold, foothold of the devils in here, in this city. And now here they come. They start tearing it apart with the power of God. And it's moving in people's hearts. They've been convicted of it." [00:38:47] (24 seconds)
"We've just gone through this season of church here, which is not the most fun season. It's probably one of the most avoided seasons. The season of Lent. And Lent is a time we started Ash Wednesday. And it's a whole season of repentance and turning back to God and giving up anything that's in the way or taking on things that would bring us closer to Him. And it's a season of purifying, of cleansing in our heart. And say, God, awaken this heart. I know that I go in all the pot. I know that I just take in things. I consume things because we're consumers that are not of you and not of your ways. And they just become part of my life. And I start doing it. I don't even realize the wrong I'm doing it. As Paul would say, God, make me aware. Expose this heart." [00:40:51] (43 seconds)
"and so the bottom line is man is that believe i mean do you just believe jesus is the humble serving king of victory and peace do you believe he's he's already promised to be and he can do that for you do you believe it he's truly the messiah who's given your greatest need of grace to forgive the sins of eternal life relationship the living god for eternity and that's true then man if you say yes look at this memory verse philippians let me just read it dear friends work hard to show the results of your salvation obeying god with deep reverence and fear for god is working in you giving you desire and the power to do what pleases him i mean god is there with the helper the holy spirit jesus i'll give you a helpmate it's the holy spirit who comes and gives you desire it even will say look i'm going to help get rid of those idols in your heart i'm going to cleanse you from it by god's grace and my power i'm going to show you the goodness of god the great security of god the peace of god so you want nothing else but god you're not alone in your life and if you believe that and know that then repent destroy your idols no matter what the cost go bust a computer if you have to sell the house sell this whatever you have to do get rid of that idols" [00:57:17] (82 seconds)
"and then come back home with jesus jesus welcome you home be in the warmest room with jesus there's a great feast great joy laughter there's no worries with the world you're you sit with jesus you're at the table feast with the king of kings lord of lords who's there with you and you're his honored guest you're his guest that he invited you and prepared a place for you to have his goodness abundant life he says but you got to believe and be willing to repent and leave it" [00:58:52] (47 seconds)
"so let's just do that and the quiet still waters here i mean the lord lead us to the the green pastures he leads us to the still waters why to restore our souls like there's just enough movement in the water to remind us it's refreshing and inviting and it can wash over and take away our sins but there's such a stillness today to say that god is like this is the peace of the lord this is the peace he cleared over the raging seas see when god he's a peacemaker and jesus is a prince of peace which means he is" [00:59:42] (51 seconds)
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